Minneapolis-based specialty bedding manufacturer and retailer Sleep Number Corp. has introduced BreatheIQ, a new app designed to help users understand what snores may indicate and how breathing irregularities may affect their health. The app was developed in partnership with Diametos GmbH, a German company that has developed and launched snore-related digital health apps in the European Union.
Sleep Number reports that snoring disrupts the sleep of an estimated 116 million adults and their partners in the U.S. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, more than 30 million adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, with 80% of cases undiagnosed. While lifestyle changes and sleep position adjustments reduce snoring, underlying issues — including respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic, mental, hormonal and other health conditions — may contribute to potential health challenges.
According to a news release, the smartphone-based app compares the sounds of sleepers’ snoring and provides information about potential causes. Upgrades can help sleepers determine their personal snore phenotype, understand breathing irregularities and take more control over their sleep health. While it cannot diagnose sleep apnea, the BreatheIQ app connects users to a virtual care clinic, Gem Sleep, for online assessments and diagnoses.
“Most people have no idea that snoring may mean more to their health. BreatheIQ lets consumers easily understand their snoring and breathing irregularities,” said Annie Bloomquist, chief innovation officer, Sleep Number. “BreatheIQ eliminates barriers to the long and complicated process of sleep assessments, making them accessible to more people and encouraging users to take better control of their sleep health. In partnership with Gem Sleep, Sleep Number is empowering sleepers to uncover the meaning of their snore, and act toward care for chronic sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, without leaving home.”
Through the Sleep Number app, Sleep Number’s Smart Sleepers receive a notification to download BreatheIQ, which is available for free on the App Store and Google Play and does not require a Sleep Number smart bed. An in-app upgrade to BreatheIQ+ offers additional features and insights, including snore type, breathing irregularity assessments and RespiratoryIQ, a new feature showing respiratory trends over time. New BreatheIQ customers receive a special offer on Sleep Number smart beds to help address snore-related issues., while the BreatheIQ+ upgrade offers a choice of monthly, quarterly and annual plans starting at $14.99, the news release said.
